Brooklyn Bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn and its elevated central walkway offers dramatic vistas of the city skyline seen through the bridge's many strands of suspension cable, especially when walked as the sun is about to set.
The bridge can be crossed from any direction, but the most vivid views of the city's skyline are best seen by starting the walk at Brooklyn and making one's way across to Manhattan.
Brooklyn Bridge was an engineering marvel of the 19th century, built between 1870 and 1883, it was the world's first steel-wire suspension bridge, and was the world's longest suspension bridge for 20 years, stretching 5,989 feet (1825 m).
The bridge claimed the lives of approximately 27 workers including the life of John Augustus Roebling, the bridge's engineer. In 1869 while taking measurements for the piers and deciding where the bridge should be constructed, Roebling's foot was injured by an arriving ferry that crushed it against a pylon. Despite his foot being amputated, he died of tetanus shortly afterwards.
Work on the bridge was continued by Roebling's son, Washington, but he was paralysed by caisson disease (the bends) while working in compressed air in caissons laid underneath the river to allow labourers to work on the bridge's fondations.
In an extraordinary turn of events, Washington's wife, Emily Warren Roebling took over the construction, learning engineering from her husband and communicating his wishes to the site's foremen. When the bridge was officially opened, Emily Warren Roebling was the first individual to cross it.
How to Get There
Pedestrian access to Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side:
The walkway entrance is next to the Federal Court Building. There are stairs on Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street or a ramp entrance at the intersection of Johnson and Adams Street.
The nearest subway on the Brooklyn side:
High Street, take the A or C train.
Pedestrian access to Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side:
The entrance is at Park Row and Centre Street, across from City Hall Park, east of City Hall.
The nearest subway on the Manhattan side:
Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall, take the 4, 5, or 6 trains
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